It's an old drama actually, first shown in the year 2000 - that's 14 years ago!!

Beautiful Life, starring Takuya Kimura and Takako Tokiwa. It must not be the first time that I had seen Tokiwa's face but it definitely is my first time watching a drama of hers from beginning to end.I didn't like the character she portrayed, but she obviously portrayed it very well.

The story itself is a sad story, something along the lines of 1 Litre of Tears.. Don't say I ruined it for you, it's pretty obvious from its title and in the first few episodes themselves..Though the idea of death and disease is common to both dramas, however, the style and plots are actually very different. Beautiful Life is actually much slower, even though it's for a very short period of time in the story. It needed full attention though and I found that I cannot binge watch like I do with other dramas, so it dragged on for a couple of months in my possession.Today I decided to finish the last half of the last episode, knowing what was to come of course.It was very beautifully done. In fact, I don't think any movie or drama has come anywhere near doing this bit this well for an ending..

I think it explored a really nice side of Japan.. and of life in general..and of that period (2000s). It may seem just yesterday to you and to me if I think of where I was, however I find that that time was so, so different and so much more beautiful than the life we possess today. Perhaps the drama made me nostalgic but none of it was in any way overdone..

BTW it's written by Eriko Kitagawa, who'd also written Long Vacation, Orange Days, Sunao ni Narenakute, and One Million Stars Falling from the Sky, all stories I had watched and loved especially the latter.

Here's what Wikipedia says:Beautiful Life is a massive success, and holds the TV rating record of drama in Japan over the 30 years (41.3%).

So should you watch it?

Watch it and watch it slow.. appreciate every moment.. For it's a clear-cut story, there's no mystery about it... it's like a bitter and yet very much appreciated cup of tea.

You know those atheists out there, both the proud, admitting ones and those who write Hindu, Muslim, Christian, or whatever religion they're born into , in the religion field in the forms and papers and yet are actually atheists?Both these people are nothing new...They're as old, and older than prostitution and homosexuality in fact. Perhaps a term was not created to address them, but tout de meme, they existed. ﻿By the way, my writing may have given u a negative notion in using the examples of prostituion and homosexuality. That was not intended. I used homosexuality because it's currently more like a trend or a cool thing that everyone is slowly starting to come out as gay or lesbian. However, homosexuality is actually nothing new and I think it's just a waste of time that people are bothering to give it all that attention by taking a side whether they're for gay rights or against gay marriage,etc.There are tons of bigger issues that we can spread around virally and win God's approval or disapproval by, than interefering into where a person decides to puts his tongue or penis(or the equivalent) or arms . As for prostitution, I had just remembered the common notion that prostitution is the oldest profession in the world. haha!﻿So back to atheists, in the Qur'an you can recognize them as the people who said to each and every prophet that was sent to them : "Legends of the ancients!"Basically people saw whatever story (with a moral and as a warning against disbelief & polytheism) that their prophet used about the people before them as either a threat to what they believed in (also legends we can say) and thus fall into disbelief out of obstinacy and perhaps for some laziness or yet for others because of peer pressure or fear or even pride, or viewed it as just some more extensions of those legends that they've already heard for, now suddenly taken to a new level by some attention-seeking lunatic or power- hungry maniac. They rejected them stories by grouping them with legends and calling them legends- thus bringing us back to "legends of the ancients".If you're a christian or a moslem or a Jew or an american or is educated at least or an avid reader- then you've heard this "legends of the ancients" too.

Qualities of the Khawārij sect:The Khawārij were a group who tried to exceed the piety established by the Prophet (sa). In fact, that caused them to question his positions and even kill some of his companions (ra). In an excellent book titled Studies on Religious Cults and Muslim History (Dirasāt al-Furuq wa Tārīkh al-Muslimīn) the writer gathers a number of qualities of the Khawārij, who in the name of piety, do more damage than good. Here are a few. Inshallah, I plan to translate them all in the future.1. They judge the hearts and intentions of people, holding their assumptions about them to be the truth. Thus, they speak to the objects of their assumptions in wretched ways and treat them with distain. All based on their suspicions, not clear texts or proofs. Thus, the words 'munafiq!' and 'kafir!' ooze from their mouths like water from drainage pipes. 2. They distance themselves from the larger body of Muslims, undermining their institutions and leadership3. They focus on verses of Qur'an and sayings of the Prophet (sa) that contain threats, leaving those of promise and hope4. They seek to undermine religious scholars and leaders5. They use the concept of inviting to the good and forbidding the evil to kill and harm the innocent, even Muslims or, at the least, mistreat them.6. They will help the Dajāl. When Sayyidunā 'Ali (ra) had eliminated them, a person said, "All praise be to God, who by their elimination has given rest to his servants." Sayyidunā 'Ali responded, "Nay! There are still remnants of them in the loins of men. They will fight with the Dajāl."7. They love the Sunna until it fails to agree with their desires8. Their worship is plentiful and their fashion for faith high, but they are the "worst of creation" and the "dogs of hell," as noted in an authentic hadith of our beloved Prophet (sa). 9. They do more to harm the truth in the name of truth, pushing people in droves away from the light of Allah (swt). 10. They have a sickness in their heart that causes them to lust for power and control, using religion has a gown to cover their illness. This is in the hadith of Abu Umāma (I will translate soon; inshallah) where the Prophet (sa) describes them as such.Each of these points is supported by authentic hadīth and explanations of Quranic verses by the salaf.Suhaib Webb

Hulllo!!!Just dropped by to tell you guys that Evening Primrose Oil totally works!If you've hormonal issues/menstrual cycle issues to be specific, it's the natural remedy for you, although there's no thing as natural- natural is chemical too so watch your doses!I took Kordel's Vegicaps Evening Primrose Oil, 1000mg, 3 times a day (sometimes less, and at no fixed times) for a month (when I had just finished my last period) and this time my period came on time, and i expect it to be for a lesser number of days since it's heavier during the first few days this time). Perhaps I should explain what was my problem: My period was irregular. sometimes it even skips a month. i couldn't say which day it'd come, it'd come sometimes 2 or 3 weeks later.Another thing was that when I was younger, it was heavier and would last like 6 or 7 days.And for the past months, it was getting longer (10 days) and the first few days it'd be like just a drop or two to let me know that I have my period and then the middle days would be heavy and then it'd slowly go away again. I was really pissed off coz u know as a Muslimah you can't pray or fast on your period (and I knew it was period even if it was just a drop of blood because the other symptoms are all there), so I wasted 1/3 of this year's Ramadhan. Furthermore, people around me don't seem to have heard of such issues, so they're always bugging me about how long it is that I am not praying. You know, it's none of their business, and I am really awkward at answering such questions so it annoyed me..So, simply put I wanted a shorter, more predictable period and I'd worry about the problems of how heavy it is later. So, now that I've seen it work, I am gonna stick to EPO for the next 3 or 4 months and then reduce the dosage to 1 capsule per day for ever.

As with many other activities, it's tough to sit down and write once you're home..But I'm back to the comfort of being alone, so here goes..

Last year at this time I was leading a totally different life.I was being the spoilt and lazy granddaughter of Hyatt.. I was the Master student who had just finished the courses and didn't have a proposal, and was trying to stay that way for another few weeks.

And now???

I am the granddaughter who's been not calling as often as I should.

I am also the Master student who's just extended her study period :( (Totally regretting my choice of title but I am responsible for all my choices and most of what happens to me and for how I view it)

I am also the Master student who you always ask "where have you been?" or say a variant of "Long time no see" to, despite the fact that she actually does go to the lab.. (P.S. Just got over my "hate the lab" phase of study a few weeks ago)

I am also the Master student who suddenly is very energetic and hard-working but nobody seems to be able to help her with her inquiries..

I believe in the relaxing powers of an icon-free, shortcut-free desktop with a carefully selected motivating/refreshing/relaxing wallpaper.

I believe in a pretty but simple room where there's no room for pests and dust.

I believe in decluttering the kitchen, the fridge and even the bathroom!

But most importantly, I believe in decluttering the mind.

So, just follow this simple steps :1- choose your thoughts carefully (the quality of thoughts you generate when relaxing)2- choose what goes in (don't listen to everyone, whether active listening or otherwise; be selective)3- create a break whenever you realize that you're being negative or demotivating yourself4- write down your goals.. everyday (goals for the day lah)rinse and repeat :)

Islamic culture has the following features:1. God-centered, or theocentric, upholding strict Tawhid (monotheism). We believe in divine guidance that came to us through God’s many prophets and messengers and finally through the Last Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon them all. We believe in life after death and the Day of Judgment. We emphasize worship and devotion: prayers, fasting, Zakat and Hajj. We also uphold that Allah has allowed us certain things and has forbidden us certain things. We emphasize the Halal and avoid theHaram.

2. Egalitarian, tolerant and fraternal: Secondly our Islamic culture emphasizes that all people are equal. We do not accept any color bias or racialism. We believe in the worth and value of all human beings and all creation of God. We believe that all Muslims are brothers and sisters. The sense of brotherhood in faith must be very strong among Muslims, regardless of the geographic boundaries or changing political or economic conditions. We also must keep good relations with all human beings, especially our neighbors.

3. Dignifying and moralistic: Our culture places great emphasis on the dignity of human beings and their morality. We emphasize truthfulness, honesty, modesty (Haya’), and cleanliness or Taharah.

We are against extravagance, show off, or extremism. Our Islamic culture teaches self-confidence and self-reliance. It emphasizes charity and generosity. Our culture is family-oriented with great emphasis on good spousal relations, good care of children, extended families, love and respect for the elders. We abhor adultery, fornication, homosexuality, gambling, or use of intoxicants.

4. Dynamic, progressive, world affirming and not world-denying or ascetic: Our culture emphasizes struggle (yup jihad) , change, social justice, removal of oppression and evil (by actions, speech, and at least by the heart).

Our culture encourages learning, education, seeking of knowledge. Our Islamic culture makes no separation between the religious and secular education. We believe that all knowledge is important. We must emphasize open mindedness and willingness to accept the wisdom from any source. Islamic culture promotes good art, architecture, aesthetics, health, healthy environment and clean entertainment.

5. Non-exclusivist but Da`wah-oriented and optimistic: Finally our Islamic culture emphasizes promoting good things with wisdom and patience. Ours is not a dominating or colonizing culture, but it is also not an exclusivist and isolationist culture. (evangelism??)

We believe in inviting all people to Islam without coercion. Our culture teaches to listen and dialogue with others. We believe that human nature is good and if people are given chance to know and learn Islam as it is, they will find it fulfilling. We strongly believe that the truth will prevail and falsehood will vanish. Taken (with minor modifications) from :http://www.onislam.net/english/shariah/shariah-and-humanity/shariah-and-life/466251-islam-culture-heritage-art-people-muslim-prophet.html?Life=

Author

A girl who likes herbs..likes some poetry, but write only once in a blue moon.. she's for ever fascinated by language..a night owl too..loves nature and Man too.. She likes crowds, but only when she can drown in them and be an observer.. ​